Architects are having a lot of fun using 3D printing in their creations, especially now that the technology has gotten cheaper and more eco-friendly. We've rounded up our six favorite examples of 3D-printed architecture, including affordable concrete homes in China, a biodegradable plastic cocoon made from a collaborative effort in The Netherlands, and even a 3D-printed bungalow with porch for lucky birds flying around the US.

The phrase “diamonds are forever” might be well known as the title of a James Bond film, but that statement is actually very true: these sparkling little bits of ultra-compressed carbon are among the hardest substances on the planet, and will last for centuries (millennia, even) if cared for properly. Did you know that there’s an entire industry devoted to pre-loved diamonds? These gems rarely depreciate in value, and for both monetary and ethical reasons, many people are now choosing to purchase recycled diamond jewelry; especially engagement rings. But what are the benefits of recycled diamonds? Why should they be preferred over “new” pieces?

Have you ever resisted the urge to buy a plant because you felt it would be safer at the store than around a herbicidal maniac like yourself? If so, don't be discouraged. Many people label themselves brown thumbs after being plagued by one failed gardening attempt after the other, but that's because they just haven't met the right plant. We visited Costa Farms in Miami, FL, where we were introduced to a program called Plants of Steel. These foolproof flora are easy to care for and some even thrive on neglect, so if you're too busy to bother with finicky flowers, check out our list of downright difficult-to-kill plants after the jump.

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St. Paddy's Day is definitely an homage to Ireland, but there's no denying that it also pays tribute to something a little more universal - booze. And while you may be thinking "What the heck does alcohol have to do with green design?" there are actually a keg's worth of hooch-related eco innovations out there that you might not know about yet. From a man that recycles his own pee into whisky to a machine that turns beer brewery waste into power, read on to see the best boozy green stories we have on tap.

Most people have a pretty good idea of what pollen is. Some know it as the fuzzy, fluffy stuff that flies through the air and makes them sneeze from March to November, while others may get daubed on the nose with it when they stop to smell their favorite bloom. The truth is that pollen is the vital stuff that plants exude to fertilize one another, and in order to get to where it needs to go, it generally needs a pollinator. Keep reading to find out which plants will attract pollinators in your region, and which to add to your garden this spring.

Although the term “hugelkultur” was coined by German horticulturalists Hans Beba and Herman Andra in the late 1970s, the actual technique has probably been used for thousands of years. Roughly translated into “hill culture”, this method consists of creating raised garden beds by covering rotting wood with compost and soil, and then planting into them. If you think about it, it’s really just recreating the effects of forest floor decomposition—just in one’s own garden space. Learn how to make your own after the jump!

If you've been feeling sluggish, cranky, or just plain depressed lately you may have a case of the winter blues - and you might even have a more serious condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While you could go to your M.D. and get a prescription for some drug that you've never heard of, we think it's worth a shot to try and pick yourself up a bit with some green remedies that don't involve a visit to the pharmacy. Read on for our tips on how to battle those January blahs and feel better naturally!

Don't let the frozen ground fool you: Spring will come again, and when it does, will you be ready? Ready to garden that is. Growing one's own food, herbs, and flowers can be extremely rewarding, not to mention a great way to save money. If you're thinking about starting a garden this Spring, it's important to have all the necessary equipment on hand long before the first seedling goes into the ground. To help you achieve a successful harvest, we've rounded up 9 of our favorite eco-friendly gardening tools. If you have a favorite green gardening gadget that belongs on this list, please tell us about it in the comments!

Sticking to a grocery budget doesn't mean that one has to skimp on flavor, nutrition, or toe-curling comfort food. These 9 plant-based dishes are budget-friendly, super-delicious, and easy to put together too. From warming soups to lunch-able fare, these meals are as tasty as they are packed with nutrition. The best part is that most of them pull double duty as well: if you make just a little bit extra, you're also set for breakfast or lunch the next day!

Nonprofit architecture firm Architecture for Humanity rallied the world around the cause of humanitarian design, inspiring designers and idealists everywhere with the idea that design can make a difference in improving people’s lives. That’s why, when AFH announced their closure several weeks ago, there was a collective gasp heard round the world – followed by tears and much water-cooler speculation about the question on everyone’s mind: “WHY?”

Architecture for Humanity, one of the foremost humanitarian building initiatives in history, shut down operations on January 1st, 2015. Despite the significant public funding and grants that it received over the past 15 years, the company was forced to file for bankruptcy and cited “serious funding challenges” as the reason. So, what happened?

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Five project finalists have just been announced for this year’s European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture—the Mies van der Rohe award—one of the most prestigious prizes in international architecture. The impressive contenders for the 14th edition of the prize were whittled down from a shortlist of 40 projects revealed earlier this month. From a sunken museum to a crystalline concert hall, these five finalist projects are among the best works completed by European architects in the last two years. Hit the jump to see the five projects still in the running for the €60,000 prize.

"The world's largest community-driven hospitality company", a.k.a Airbnb opens doors to the world's most fascinating rentals. What could be more magical than sleeping in a tree house, staying overnight in an IKEA store, or spending a few nights in a tiny wooden cabin built inside a Brooklyn factory studio? We've compiled 6 brilliant Airbnb locations from around the world, and believe us, after looking through them you'll never want to stay in an ordinary hotel again.

Winter weather isn’t kind to skin. Snow and hail lash into sensitive cheeks and foreheads, cold winds chafe at us, and indoor heating systems leave us flaky, dry, and itchy. Though the rest of our bodies stay protected (if somewhat neglected) by clothing during the cold months, our faces bear the brunt of all that ugly weather each and every day. As you switch up your personal care routine in preparation for the warmer months just around the corner, don’t forget to pamper that gorgeous part of you that greets the world each and every day: your face. Keep reading for seven simple face masks that you can make at home.

The Paleo diet purports to “get back” to the way our Paleolithic ancestors ate. The only problem with the diet—besides being environmentally unsustainable—is that it is probably nothing like the fare familiar to hunter-gatherers of yore. Treehugger’sKatherine Martinko decided to break it all down, taking a look at the ways the Paleo diet gets it wrong.